Clearing out a defender over the ball means winning the race for the space over the ball – and if you lose, knowing how to win that space back.
Lie an attacker (white), and a defender (blue) next to each other in a small circle with a ball between them, then shout “GO”
The attacker has to win the ball depending on the defender’s intentions
– Defender goes past the ball
– Defender stays over the ball
– Defender goes for the ball
Put three defenders at one end of the box
Put three numbered attackers at other end of the box
The feeder passes to one of the attackers (who can pass if he wants)
The defender in front of the ball carrier makes a tackle
The other attackers and defenders aim to win the race for the space over the ball
WHY USE IT
Work on quick reactions under pressure to make the right decision to win the space over the ball. The attacker sees whether a defender is going for the ball then decides how to deal with it.
SET UP
1. A 5m circle and one ball per pair to start with. 2. A 10m x 5m box and one ball per seven
HOW TO DO IT
ACTIVITY 1
An attacker (light shirt) and defender (dark) lie face down in the circle next to a ball.
On your call, the players get to their feet to “win the race” to the ball.
The defender has three options (see picture 1):
– Stand over the ball and protect it.
– Go for the ball and pick it up.
– Drive over the ball and clear the attacker out.
The attacker has to decide how to deal with the defender.
Body height and who wins the race for the ball is crucial.
ACTIVITY 2
Play 3v3 in the box.
A feeder (F) passes to one of the attackers who runs at his defender (see picture 2).
The attacker can pass but if he is tackled, the other players race to win the space over the ball (see picture 3).
Play full contact.
TECHNIQUE
First to the ball: Win the space over and beyond it.
How to train your back three, that is two wingers and full back, to cover in the front line and back line. It uses the pendulum defence which swings so there are at least two players back to cover kicks. MORE
All defensive patterns require strong communication and an ability to work together as a line. Use this folding defence activity to get groups of players filling in and coming forward to tackle side-on. MORE
As the attack goes the same way from a ruck, where should the first defenders line up? There are no hard and fast rules, so use this breakdown activity to help them make the right decisions. MORE
Develop good footwork in the last few steps before the tackle. First, to power into a tackle situation, and then to adjust as the tackle target moves either to the left or the right. This activity uses low-impact outcomes with tackle tubes to focus on the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
Use this tackle tube activity to focus on good technique under pressure, with lots of strong repetitions and enough distractions to keep the players fully aware of their team mates in the defensive line. This is low-impact exercise is ideal to develop the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own.
Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less.
That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple.
But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics.
"It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level"- Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London IrishMORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training?
Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull?
Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career?
Here's the answer... MORE